Weekly Report 4|98 11.25.22-12.2.22
- Admin
- Dec 5, 2022
- 22 min read
Highlights
Xinhua published an official obituary of Jiang Zemin (江泽民), former general secretary of the CCP and president of China, highlighting achievements throughout his life. (See Senior Leaders Section)
State Council Vice Premier Sun Chunlan (孙春兰) presided over a forum at the National Health Commission to listen to opinions and suggestions from representatives working on the front lines of the pandemic, where she stated that China now has “the conditions for further optimization and improvement in pandemic prevention and control measures.” (See Senior Leaders section)
People’s Daily continued to publish its series of Zhong Yin (仲音) commentaries on newly “optimized” COVID policy. (See Propaganda Work section)
Senior Leaders
A Message to the Entire Party, Army, and People of All Ethnic Groups (Official Obituary of Jiang Zemin) Xinhua
11.30 Xinhua published an official obituary of Jiang Zemin (江泽民), former paramount leader of China, highlighting achievements throughout his life. During his time at Shanghai Jiaotong University (上海交通大学), Jiang “formed a Marxist worldview” after participating in the “baptism of anti-Japanese patriotic activities,” selected his life path, and established his ideals and belief in “a life of struggle for the nation’s liberation and the happiness of the people.” The obituary detailed his career history from the 1940s onwards. The obituary noted that during the “serious political storm” in the spring and summer of 1989, as Party Secretary of Shanghai, Jiang supported and implemented the Central Committee’s “correct policy decisions” on taking a “clear-cut stand” (旗帜鲜明) against turmoil, defending the socialist national government, safeguarding the fundamental interests of the people, and striving to maintain the stability of Shanghai. That same year, he was elected to the Politburo Standing Committee, became the general secretary of the Central Committee, and in 1990, was selected to become the next chair of the Central Military Commission. The obituary declared that Jiang was the “core of the third generation of the [Party’s] central leadership collective” (第三代中央领导集体的核心), and that he “led the central leadership collective” and the country through both domestic and international “serious political storms” in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s to uphold the “four cardinal principles” (四项基本原则); safeguard national independence, dignity, security, and stability; unswervingly adhere to economic construction as the center; persist in reform and opening up (改革开放); defend socialism with Chinese characteristics; and “open a new situation in China’s reform and opening up as well as socialist modernization.” The obituary highlighted several achievements of Jiang, including establishing the reform goals and basic framework of the socialist market economic system; establishing the basic economic system with public ownership as the “mainstay in the primary stage of socialism”; implementing the basic strategy of “law-based governance” (依法治国); adhering to the policy of “peaceful reunification, one country, two systems” (和平统一、一国两制); realizing the smooth return of Hong Kong and Macau; and successfully pushing socialism with Chinese characteristics into the 21st century. It stated that Jiang emphasized adhering to the policy of coordinated development of national defense construction and economic construction; strengthening the “revolutionization, modernization, and regularization” of the PLA; unswervingly adhering to the Party’s absolute leadership over the PLA; realizing the “leapfrog modernization of China’s military development.” It declared that he “pooled the wisdom of the whole party to create the important thought of the ‘three represents’ (三个代表),” which highlights that the CCP always represents the “developmental needs of China’s advanced productive forces,” the “direction of China’s advanced culture,” and the “fundamental interests of the overwhelming majority of the Chinese people.” The obituary noted that during the preparations for the 16th Party Congress in November 2002, Jiang decided to step down from the central leadership position and the Central Committee so as to “facilitate the transition of the Party and state’s top leadership from old to new,” but considering the “complex and changeable international situation at the time and the heavy tasks of national defense and army building,” the First Plenum of the 16th Central Committee decided that Jiang should remain as the chair of the Central Military Commission. He accepted, but later resigned from this position in 2004, “fully demonstrating his foresight for the development of the cause of the Party and country.”
The obituary declared Jiang’s death as an “immeasurable loss.” It called on readers to more consciously unite around the Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core”; adhere to the Party’s “basic theory, basic line, and basic strategy”; “deeply understand the decisive significance of the ‘two establishes’ (两个确立), strengthen the ‘four consciousnesses’ (四个意识), consolidate the ‘four confidences’ (四个自信), achieve the ‘two defends’ (两个维护)”; persevere in promoting comprehensive and strict party governance; deepen the new great project of party building in the new era; and lead the social revolution with the Party’s self-revolution (自我革命) so that “our party will stick to its original mission (初心使命) and always be the strong leading core of the socialist cause with Chinese characteristics.”
In closing, the obituary called for unswervingly adhering to the CCP’s leadership; comprehensively promoting the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation (中华民族伟大复兴); promoting the building of a community of shared future for mankind (人类命运共同体); creating a new form of human civilization (人类文明新形态); adhering to the “fundamental purpose of serving the people wholeheartedly”; firmly establishing the views of the masses; implementing the mass line; respecting the people’s “pioneering spirit” (首创精神); always maintaining the flesh-and-blood ties (血肉联系) with the people; studying the “three represents” (三个代表); learning from Jiang’s scientific attitude and creative spirit; holding high the great banner of socialism with Chinese characteristics; fully implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era (习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想); and carrying forward the great spirit of the Party's founding.
Xi Jinping: Speech at the Second Full Assembly of the Seventh Plenary Session of the 19th Party Central Committee
11.30 Qiushi published the text of the speech Xi Jinping delivered at the Second Full Assembly of the Seventh Plenary Session of the 19th Party Central Committee on 12 October. Xi emphasized that the 20th Party Congress constituted an “important meeting” for the comprehensive construction of a modernized socialist country and to achieve the second centenary goal. First, Xi stressed the importance of reviewing the 20th Party Congress Report. He emphasized that the Report “holds high the banner of socialism with Chinese characteristics, adheres to Marxist-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, the important ideology of the ‘three represents’ (三个代表)” and “fully implements Xi Jinping Thought with Chinese Characteristics.” The Report “analyzed the international and domestic situations” and entails “strategic planning” (战略谋划) about how to “construct a modernized socialist country and promote the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.” Second, Xi stressed the importance of reviewing the Central Commission for Discipline and Inspection’s (CCDI’s) Report. Xi emphasized the necessity of a “clean and honest party work style” (党风廉政) and the “anti-corruption struggle” (反腐败斗争) in addition to “strengthening confidence” in the country’s ability to “emerge victorious in the war against corruption.” Third, Xi highlighted the importance of doing a good job when deliberating revisions to the Party constitution. He stated that the major thoughts, viewpoints, strategies, and measures proposed in the 20th Party Congress Report should be “manifested in the Party Constitution” and that the revised version should adapt to “new demands” in the context of a “new situation and new tasks for the Party’s work and construction.” Fourth, Xi emphasized doing a good job in selecting candidates for the “two committees,” namely the Central Committee and the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection. He stated that the list of appointments to those committees was drawn up following serious consultation of “suggestions from every side.” Xi proceeded to state that over the past five years, the Central Committee has “united and led the whole Party, army, and people of all ethnic groups to effectively confront a serious and complex international situation” in addition to substantial “risks and challenges.” Xi thanked them for their “arduous efforts” and paid “high tribute” to those that were retiring from the Central Committee.
Next, Xi emphasized the large size of the Party and how it “shoulders the historical responsibilities (历史重任)” of “leading 1.4 billion Chinese people to construct a comprehensive, modernized socialist country” and advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.” He stressed that it is necessary to “adhere to the Party’s comprehensive leadership, especially the centralized and unified leadership of the Central Committee.” Xi stated that all Chinese Communist Party (CCP) members and cadres, regardless of whether they are retired, when, where, or in what situation they are in, must bear in mind that they are members of the Party. They must “adhere to and defend the Party’s leadership and the unity of the Party” while keeping in mind the “big picture and fundamental interests of the country” (国之大者). Xi emphasized “improving political judgment (政治判断力), political perception (政治领悟力), and political administration (政治执行力).” Xi proceeded to stress that all Party members must “strengthen their fighting spirit (斗争精神), consolidate their will to fight (斗争意志), and improve their ability to struggle (斗争本领).” Xi stated the importance of coordinating pandemic control with economic and social development, maintaining a stable and healthy economic environment, a “peaceful and prosperous” (国泰民安) social environment, and a “clean and upright” (风清气正) political environment. He stressed overcoming “some difficulties” in economic and social development and maintaining social stability. Lastly, he stated the importance of “not wavering from adhering to the general policy of ‘dynamic zero’ (动态清零) and overcoming paralytic thinking (麻痹思想)” as it pertains to the pandemic.
Sun Chunlan: Summarize Grassroots Experiences and Practices, Promote the Continuous Optimization of Pandemic Prevention and Control Measures
12.1 State Council Vice Premier Sun Chunlan (孙春兰) presided over a forum at the National Health Commission (国家卫生健康委) to listen to opinions and suggestions from representatives working on the front lines of the pandemic on how to optimize and improve pandemic prevention and control measures. Sun emphasized the importance of “seeking progress while maintaining stability” (稳中求进) and “walking small steps but not stopping.” Sun stated that in the previous three years, the country’s medical and disease control system has “withstood the test.” She asserted that China currently possesses effective procedures and medicine to counter the pandemic, especially traditional Chinese medicine. Sun proceeded to assert that the country’s vaccination rate has exceeded 90 percent, that the “health consciousness and literacy of the masses have clearly improved,” and that the “Omicron (奥密克戎) variant’s virulence is weakening.” Sun stated that these three points “create the conditions for further optimization and improvement in pandemic prevention and control measures.” Sun stressed the importance of implementing the decision-making and deployments (决策部署) of the Central Committee and State Council. She emphasized “enhancing” the power of professional pandemic prevention and control, strengthening diagnosis and treatment capabilities in community health institutions, bolstering health management and services, and simultaneously “guaranteeing” safety and people’s livelihoods and economic and social development. During the forum, eight workers with experience on the front lines of pandemic management shared their understanding and experiences and made suggestions in regards to optimizing and improving the 20 optimization measures. Sun further emphasized the importance of resolving distressing problems in “guaranteeing basic livelihoods” and “medical treatment.” Lastly, Sun stressed the importance of caring for those on the front line and asserted the importance of “doing a good job in protecting their work and lives.”
Propaganda Work
Zhong Yin Commentaries on COVID Policy
People’s Daily continued to publish its series of Zhong Yin (仲音) commentaries on newly “optimized” COVID policy.
26 November’s commentary, “Work Together to Curb the Spread of the Pandemic Soon,” emphasized that the number of COVID infections in China has continued to increase and that the situation is “serious and complex.” It stated the importance of “not wavering from implementing the overall strategy” of “protecting against imported cases and domestic resurgences” (外防输入、内防反弹) and firmly adhering to the policy direction of “dynamic zero” (动态清零). It emphasized adhering to the ninth edition (第九版) of pandemic protocols and implementing the 20 new guidelines on COVID policy introduced 11 November. It stressed that a unique point China’s pandemic management strategy must account for is that “densely populated cities” (人口密集城市) have become key areas for pandemic prevention and control efforts. A large population, a high degree of mobility among the people, and more activities featuring the gathering of people have contributed to additional risks and “control difficulties” (防控难度). In particular, the commentary stressed that the spread of the virus in densely populated locales such as businesses, schools, restaurants, and entertainment venues have resulted in insufficiencies and “resource constraints” (资源紧张) in contact tracing, quarantine and control, and medical care. It emphasized that “we must concentrate our efforts to battle the pandemic in key areas,” adopt “more firm, decisive measures to tackle problems,” and “quickly restore normal order to production and people’s livelihoods.” It also noted the importance of protecting the “safety of people’s livelihoods and health” and “reducing the impact of the pandemic on socioeconomic development” to the greatest extent possible. The commentary proceeded to emphasize implementation of the “four responsibilities” (四方责任), namely local, department, danwei, and personal responsibilities. It further emphasized harnessing the strength of “nucleic testing, epidemiology, and quarantine resources” in addition to “mobile personnel.” Lastly, it emphasized “deeply studying and comprehending the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important guidance” and “completely, accurately, and comprehensively implementing the Party Central Committee’s strategic deployments.”
27 November’s commentary, “Remain Confident and Grasp Each Component of Pandemic Prevention and Control Work Well,” stated the importance of implementing the “four earlies” (四早: early detection, early reporting, early isolation, and early treatment) and the “four shoulds and four extents” (四应四尽: to treat, test, admit, and investigate [cases] to the [greatest] extent). It emphasized that efficiency in pandemic control work has improved, noting that eight measures targeting the gradual resumption of normal order in production and people’s livelihoods have been released. Furthermore, 15 optimizing measures targeting the transportation sector have been released to improve passenger and freight transport, “quarantine transport” (隔离转运), and to ensure the smooth flow of logistics. It then emphasized the importance of each region and department “earnestly implementing the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important guidance and the Party Central Committee’s decision-making and deployments.” It noted that in the past three years the number of deaths and hospitalizations that have occurred in China as a result of the virus is far below the global average, meaning that the virus’ impact on Chinese people has been the “smallest” vis-a-vis other nations. It touted increases in China’s average life expectancy, claimed that China was the only country in 2020 to record positive economic growth, and asserted that by 2021 China’s economy had already comprised 18 percent of global aggregate economic output. It stressed that such achievements were “not easy” in the context of the global pandemic and economic downturn. Lastly, the commentary emphasized the importance of “resolving the anxieties and worries of the masses in a timely manner.”
28 November’s commentary, “[Being] Scientifically Precise, Improve the Effectiveness of Pandemic Prevention Work,” emphasized paying attention to the “timeliness” (时度效) of various measures. It asserted that China has maintained a low rate of severe cases and deaths in the context of the pandemic and continuously revised and made decisions based on scientific information. For example, it pointed out that Beijing has implemented 20 “optimizing measures” and adjusted control measures for close contacts from seven days of central quarantine and three of self-isolation to five days of quarantine and three of isolation instead. It emphasized that “effective measures” demands “all parties’ strong enforcement.” It stressed that when a pandemic cluster first emerges, it is crucial to detect and manage infected cases, accurately determine their close contacts, and designate and announce risk areas in a timely manner. Otherwise, the number of infected cases will increase substantially in a short period of time. It emphasized that at the moment the pandemic situation is “severe and complex.” It noted that the spread of the virus in densely populated areas in addition to virus mutations have led to difficulties with initial detection and problems in traceability, isolation and control, and medical care. It emphasized implementation of the demands under the “four earlies” (四早) and the “four responsibilities” (四方责任). Lastly, it emphasized the importance of “carrying out pandemic prevention and control work in a more scientific, regulated, accelerated, and effective manner, controlling the risks that should be controlled, implementing what should be implemented, and firmly canceling that which should be canceled.”
29 November’s commentary, “Uphold the Ninth Edition and Implement the 20 Measureses,” emphasized the importance of the release of the ninth edition of the pandemic prevention and control plan (防控方案) and 20 optimization measures (优化措施). It stated that the ninth edition of the pandemic prevention and control plan primarily targets the Omicron variant and noted its success in containing outbreaks. It said that “practice has fully proven that the ninth edition of the pandemic prevention and control plan has withstood the test of time and is scientific and effective.” The 20 “optimization measures” should be interpreted as improvements to the ninth edition of the plan, noting that both the measures and the plan itself are “indispensable.” It further warned against an “adjust as you go” (层层加码) or “one-size-fits-all” (一刀切) approach to pandemic management. It proceeded to state that demand for “pandemic prevention and control work has not lowered but heightened.” It stressed that all regions and relevant departments should unite ideology and action with the spirit of Xi Jinping’s “important instructions” (重要指示) and the Party Central Committee’s decision-making and deployments. It further emphasized adhering to the strategy of “protecting against imported cases and domestic resurgences” and not wavering from implementing “dynamic zero” policies. It stressed overcoming a “paralyzed and relaxed mentality” and implementing both the ninth edition of the pandemic prevention and control plan and the 20 “optimization measures.” Furthermore, it stated that what “should be implemented should be implemented” and “what should be canceled should firmly be canceled.”
30 November’s commentary, “Cooperate to Build a Pandemic Prevention and Control Barrier,”stated that in the past three years “we have protected people’s livelihoods, safety, and bodily health to the greatest extent” and “coordinated pandemic prevention and control with economic and social development and achieved important positive results.” It attributed these successes to the leadership of the Party and the “significant advantages” (显著优势) of the country’s socialist system. It stated that at the moment, the country’s pandemic situation is “serious and complex” noting that the number of local cases has continuously increased and that risks associated with “hidden transmission” (隐匿传播) still exist. It stated that this “round” of the virus is particularly challenging given factors such as shorter incubation periods and faster transmission times. It proceeded to emphasize that any slackening or relaxing will lead to potential rebounds in the pandemic. It stressed that there are “no bystanders” in pandemic prevention and control and that all must contribute to forging a “strong spiritual line of defense” against the pandemic. It emphasized adherence to the ninth edition of the pandemic prevention and control plan, implementation of the 20 “optimization measures,” and doing a good job in vaccinating key groups. Lastly, it emphasized the importance of “uniting thought and action with the spirit of Xi Jinping’s important guidance and the decision-making and deployments of the Party Central Committee.”
2 December’s commentary, “Let a Consensus Form and Cooperation Take Shape,” stated that an important reason China has been able to weather three years of the pandemic is the “spiritual strength” of national consensus. Praising the “selfless sacrifice” and efforts of healthcare workers, volunteers, grassroots cadres, frontline workers, and the masses who have followed pandemic measures and participated in pandemic prevention work, it stated that the consensus and strength of the people to face hardship underlies China’s hard-won successes in fighting the pandemic. It noted the current severity of the pandemic in some areas and stressed the importance of continued resolve amid this challenge, saying experience had proven the correctness of China’s strategy of pandemic prevention and control and its ability to eventually defeat the pandemic. It called for greater unity in thought and action with Xi Jinping’s guidance and the Central Committee’s strategic decisions and deployments; staunch “strategic consistency,” confidence, and consensus; and “scientific precision” in pandemic work. It stressed undeviating adherence to the ninth edition of the pandemic prevention and control plan and the 20 “optimization measures,” more “scientific, standardized, rapid, and effective” implementation, more precise risk assessment, not “readily” (随意) expanding “high risk areas,” and ensuring lockdowns are implemented and resolved swiftly. It called for protection of the masses’ basic daily services and needs, including medical care; better responses to the masses’ “legitimate demands” and concerns; increased oversight of COVID testing; and a prohibition on readily shutting down classes, work, and transportation or readily imposing “static management” (“静默”管理), lockdowns, or closures of medical services, with serious accountability in the event measures create “serious consequences.” It emphasized creating consensus by enacting more scientific and precise measures, compassionately ensuring and improving daily life, and strengthening the public’s faith and patience. It reiterated that there are “no bystanders” in pandemic prevention and control. It concluded that only through unity and careful implementation of pandemic work can the pandemic be defeated, the people’s lives and health can be protected, and socioeconomic development can be protected. People's Daily Commentator: The Great Rejuvenation of the Chinese Nation has Entered an Irreversible Historical Process
11.29 People’s Daily published a Commentator Article which emphasized that the “great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation has entered an irreversible historical process.” It stressed that under the leadership of the Party, the country has successfully overcome countertrends against economic globalization, challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic, in addition to poverty. It proceeded to tout successes such as space travel, the “Belt and Road (一带一路),” and “accelerated research in core technologies (核心技术).” It asserted that the country has previously suffered “national humiliation” (国家蒙辱) and that the Chinese people have suffered greatly. To realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, the Chinese people relied on their perseverance and grit to sustain more than 180 years of “continuous struggle” (持续奋斗). The Article proceeded to promote further successes such as lifting more than 100 million people out of poverty, realizing a GDP value of 114 trillion RMB, and constructing the world’s largest education system, social security system, and healthcare system. It stressed that China has achieved the “two major miracles” (两大奇迹) of “rapid economic development” and “long-term social stability.” It emphasized that the Party has successfully advanced and expanded “Chinese-style modernization” (中国式现代化) and provided a new option for modernization for all humanity. It emphasized that as long as the country does not waver from the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics it is absolutely possible to construct a prosperous, democratic, civilized, strong, modern socialist country and grasp China’s development and progress firmly in its own hands. It proceeded to emphasize the importance of having a leader on the journey towards rejuvenation. It stated that the “great transformation of the ten years of the new era” occurred under the leadership of the Central Committee with Xi Jinping as the core and under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics. It stressed that it is only because of Xi’s core position in the entire Party and the “guiding position” (指导地位) of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics that the Party has been able resolve challenges and problems related to long-term governance, long-term stability, and the well-being of the people. It proceeded to assert that “practice has fully shown that the ‘two establishes’ (两个确立) are a decisive factor in promoting the Party and country’s historical achievements.” It stated that the country must be prepared to “exert more arduous effort” to realize national rejuvenation and emphasized the need to be prepared to advance on a path rife with “various difficulties and challenges.” Lastly, the Article stressed deeply understanding the decisive significance of the “two establishes” (两个确立), bearing in mind the “big picture and fundamental interests of the country” (国之大者), strengthening the “four consciousnesses” (四个意识) consolidating the “four confidences” (四个自信), and achieving the “two defends” (两个维护).
Qiushi Commentator: Fully Grasp the Deep Content and Major Significance of Great Changes in the 10 Years of the New Era Qiushi 11.30 A Qiushi Commentator Article emphasized the importance of understanding “the past five years of work and the major changes (伟大变革) of the 10 years of the new era” so as to understand the “historical direction” of socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era, clarify the Party’s approach to the “new voyage,” face major issues while advancing towards goals, and strengthen morale regarding the process of national rejuvenation. The article first described how China’s achievements over the past five years had impressed international observers. It cited the recent China International Import Expo (“personally planned by General Secretary Xi Jinping”) and its annual hosting in spite of the “unfavorable influence of the COVID pandemic” as an example of China’s accomplishments. The Commentator Article listed other examples of milestone events for China over the past five years, such as the party centennial and hosting of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. It praised the “Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core” for coordinating its strategy for national rejuvenation with profound “changes unseen in a century” (百年未有之大变局), for its leadership of the country and people, and for its effective response to international trends and major challenges. The Commentator Article noted the 20th Party Congress report’s reflection on the “major challenges and trials” China faced in the past five years, praising the leadership of the Central Committee in response to challenges including the pandemic, “chaos” in Hong Kong, the “provocations” of “‘Taiwan independence’ splittist activities” and external intervention on the issue, and foreign attempts at containment and pressure against China. Second, it discussed the past ten years since Xi took office, citing Xi’s formulation in the report to the 20th Party Congress that the major accomplishments of this period were 1. The welcoming of the party centennial, 2. The start of a “new era” for socialism with Chinese characteristics , and 3. The success of the anti-poverty campaign and “comprehensively establishing a moderately prosperous society.” It then stated that the summary and analysis of China’s “new era” accomplishments in that report were of immense theoretical significance. It said that the Party had undergone a more forceful “revolutionary forging” within the new era, in which the Party’s comprehensive leadership was strengthened, clarified, and unified; Party discipline, self-discipline, anti-corruption struggle, and other party-building efforts were carried out; the abilities of the Party were strengthened; and closeness with the masses was maintained. It also stated that the Chinese people had gained a stronger sense of “historical self-confidence” and “active spirit” in the new era. Third, it discussed the leadership of Xi Jinping himself. It claimed that in the new era, the Party had weathered challenges and resolved issues like ideological weaknesses within the Party, economic contradictions, unbalanced development, and insufficient faith in China’s political system, all thanks to Xi Jinping’s position “steering a steady course at the helm (掌舵领航) as the core of the Party Central Committee and the core of the entire party” and the guidance of his signature ideology. It then stated that a party and country as vast as the Chinese Communist Party and China needed to be led by a “staunch and powerful leading core.” It praised Xi’s personal and ideological leadership in the aforementioned accomplishments of the new era, repeatedly referring to him as the navigator (掌舵者, 领航人) steering the nation and national rejuvenation. The Commentator Article then praised Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as the combination of Marxism with China’s practical conditions and traditional culture, the answer to major national and international questions, the essence of modern Marxism and the modern “Chinese spirit,” and so on. It stressed that the past ten years had proved the “entire Party, army, and people of all ethnic groups’ common will” to establish the core status of Xi and his ideology (the “two establishes,” 两个确立), which has “decisive significance” for affairs of the Party-state and national rejuvenation. It claimed the “two establishes” were a “political guarantee” of victory and the “most certain, confident, greatest guarantee” to face all uncertainties. In conclusion, it called for unity around the Central Committee with Xi as its core; “strengthening the ‘four consciousnesses’ (四个意识), consolidating the ‘four confidences’ (四个自信), and achieving the ‘two defends’ (两个维护)”; and maintaining determination and confidence.
Comprehensively Deepening Reform
Deeply Study and Implement the Spirit of the 20th Party Congress, Advance the Great Rejuvenation of the Chinese Nation Through Chinese-Style Modernization
12.1 Qiushi published an article by the party group (党组) of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) discussing relevant content in the 20th Party Congress Report. It first explained the significance of “Chinese-style modernization” (中国式现代化). Namely, it is rooted in China’s “national characteristics” (国情) and not any other socialist nation’s experience or the Western model, just as China’s past modernization plans under Party leadership were; that it is suited to “socialist construction” and the development of society, with a basis in the Party’s socialist analysis of history and development; and that it “offers a new choice” to the world for modernization. The article then more specifically described the major characteristics of Chinese-style modernization: its application to a large population, its focus on “common prosperity” (共同富裕), its combined attention to “material and spiritual civilization,” its ecological principles, and its approach of “peaceful development” regarding international issues. It stated that amid the many goals of Chinese-style modernization, the most important requirement is to persist in the Party’s leadership. It stated that Party leadership is the most key characteristic of Chinese-style modernization, the greatest advantage of the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics, the only path for the development of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and the key to ensuring that socialist modernization will go in the right direction, that the people will unite and overcome challenges, and that modernization will advance national rejuvenation. It then called for ideological conformity, improved political abilities, and a high degree of consistency with the Central Committee with Xi as the core. The article stated that the primary task of economic work was to use high-quality development to comprehensively build a modern socialist country. It also called for persisting in people-centric development, implementing the new development concept (新发展理念) and new development pattern (新发展格局), deepening reform and opening (改革开放), coordinating development and security, and using the “spirit of historical momentum” to promote the quality, effectiveness, fairness, sustainability, and security of development. The article then discussed these and several other goals in greater depth. First, the Party-state should “construct a macroeconomic governance system” by improving macroeconomic policy implementation in line with existing economic plans, promoting consumption, strengthening the role of investment in optimizing the supply chain, and deepening reform of financial institutions, among other policies. Second, “build a high-quality socialist market economy system,” such as by developing both the private and public sectors, making better use of the roles of government and the market, deepening market reforms and the transformation of key industries, developing a unified national market, and more. Third, “carry out an innovation-driven development strategy” by carrying out strategies to foster innovation such as industry-led collaboration between enterprises, universities, and research institutes. Fourth, “promote urban-rural integrated development,” such as through consolidating and expanding anti-poverty work and carrying out “people-centered” urbanization. Fifth, “promote regions’ coordinated development” by carrying out various region-specific plans like promoting high-quality development in ethnic minority areas, coordinating development of Beijing and surrounding areas, restoring the environment of the Yangtze River, and so on. Sixth, “advance high-level external opening,” such as through improving and implementing the Belt and Road Initiative (一带一路) and other major international economic cooperation programs, construction of basic infrastructure, international trade, shipping, improving the effective use of foreign capital and investment while “rationally reducing negative lists for foreign investment,” protecting foreign enterprises and investment according to law, and more. Seventh, “enhance the people’s wellbeing,” such as by promoting common prosperity, primarily “apportioning to each according to his own contribution” (按劳分配) while allowing diverse means of wealth apportionment to exist, increasing the incomes of low earners, improving education quality across regions, improving strategies for employment, strengthening social security, and increasing healthcare services and resources. Sixth, “promote green development” by making production, energy sources, transit, and ways of life more green and low-carbon; saving energy; preventing and controlling pollution, and so on. Seventh, “coordinate development and security” through strategies for important sectors like food supply and agriculture and energy, improving the resilience and autonomy of the industry and supply chains, and coordinating economic and defense development.
Organization Work
11.30 Liu Xiaonian (刘小南) was appointed Deputy Director of the State Administration of Grain and Reserves.
11.30 Huang Liuquan (黄柳权) was appointed Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Special Administrative Region of Macao.
International Work
11.28 CCP/ID Head Liu Jianchao (刘建超) attended and delivered a speech at the first “Read China and Listen to the World” forum organized by the China Center for Contemporary World Studies. Notable figures who attended include former President of Slovenia Danilo Türk, former Prime Minister of Mongolia Rinchinnyamyn Amarjargal, former Prime Minister of Egypt Essam Sharaf, former Speaker of the People’s Representative Council of Indonesia Agung Laksono, and former Permanent Representative to the UN from Singapore, Kishore Mahbubani.
11.29 CCP/ID Deputy Head Guo Yezhou (郭业洲) met with the Ambassador to the PRC from Greece, Georgios Iliopoulos.
12.1 CCP/ID Deputy Head Chen Zhou (陈洲) attended and delivered a speech at a promotion event on the spirit of the 20th Party Congress called “Decoding Chinese-style Modernization.” There were 300 people in attendance, including leaders of various unspecified political parties and organizations in Southeast and South Asia.
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